OVERVIEW:This funder awards community and health grants in Kleberg and the surrounding counties of South Texas. More broadly, it supports medical science, biomedical research, education, arts, wildlife, and animal sciences.

IP TAKE:Medical research is the big cause for this funder, but locally, health services in Kleberg and the surrounding counties is on the rise. In a recent year, the funder gave 21 percent of total grants to local health services.

PROFILE: The Robert J. Kleberg, Jr. and Helen C. Kleberg Foundation was established by Robert and Helen Kleberg in Kingsville, Texas, in 1950. Based in San Antonio, Texas, its purpose is to improve the quality of life in South Texas communities, as well as to advance scientific research, and wildlife and habitat stewardship. The foundation has come a long way since its early small grants of $25 and $250, and it has given out at least $277 million to date.

This foundation funds a very interesting mix of causes. Current program areas are basic medical science, biomedical research, education, community and health services in Kleberg and surrounding counties of South Texas, and arts and humanities, wildlife, and veterinary and animal sciences. Robert Kleberg was a successful rancher and livestock breeder who was passionate about wildlife conservation and science. His wife, Helen, loved the arts and was involved in many local causes.

Only online grant applications are accepted. There are two grant cycles: applications are accepted between March 1 and April 15 for June distributions and between September 1 and October 15 for December distributions. Detailed instructions about how to submit a proposal can be found here.

Only community and health organizations in South Texas are considered for grants, but the other categories have a somewhat broader reach. This funder only awards general operating support for newer and less-established organizations. Project support is available for up to five years. Capital project requests are rarely considered, but groups have a better chance at this if they are small, community-based agencies and if eco-friendly features are added.

Historically, around 64 percent of Kleberg grants have gone to medical research since inception. The other categories receive between three percent and nine percent of overall giving. Overall, health and education have been the next two biggest causes for this funder. You can view a list of recent grants here. With very few exceptions, recent grantmaking has stayed within Texas.

A grantseeker’s best point of contact is Margret Bamford, the grants administrator, at margretb@alexventures.com or 210-316-8398. She is the only listed staff member on the funder’s website. Keep up with this funder on its News Releases page.